Editorial Standards
Purpose of the catalogue
The QASUI Public Domain Literature Library exists to make public-domain poetry collections accessible to readers, with editorial notes that provide context without overwhelming the text. The catalogue is designed for independent readers, students, and enthusiasts of historical literature who wish to explore works beyond the standard canon.
Scope and selection
The catalogue currently includes 95 poetry collections, all sourced from Project Gutenberg. Selection is based on the availability of public-domain texts in English and the presence of sufficient editorial material to create useful notes. The collection spans from the fourteenth to the early twentieth centuries, with a strong emphasis on English and American poetry. Works are chosen for their literary interest, historical significance, or formal uniqueness.
Source attribution
Every book record explicitly credits Project Gutenberg as the source. The catalogue does not host any files but provides links to the original source. Readers are encouraged to verify the copyright status of any work in their country of residence, as public-domain status may vary.
Bibliographic records
Each record includes the title, author(s), publisher, keywords, target reader description, and a catalogue note. The catalogue note is a short, editorially written summary that highlights key features of the work—such as its form, themes, or editorial approach—without claiming completeness. Bibliographic data is taken directly from the source and is not independently verified beyond what is provided.
Category assignment
Categories are thematic and formal groupings designed to aid navigation. They are not definitive literary judgments; works may fit multiple categories. The four current categories are: Poems, Plays & Literary Form; Fantasy Juvenile Worlds; World Events in Context; and Greece, Rome & Antiquity. Each category includes a guide that explains the grouping and offers recommendations.
Editorial reading context
Editorial notes are written from the perspective of a first-time reader. They focus on observable features of the text—such as diction, structure, and recurring imagery—rather than on biographical or historical background not supplied in the source. Notes are intended to guide exploration, not to replace the reading experience.
Edition facts and text measurements
Where available, the catalogue notes the edition used, including publication date, editors, translators, and illustrators. Text measurements such as line counts or number of poems are given only when present in the source material. The catalogue does not perform independent textual analysis or verification.
Recommendations and related works
Each category guide includes three recommended works, chosen to represent the range of the category. Recommendations are based on the work's suitability for a first-time reader, its illustrative value, and its availability in the catalogue. Related works are suggested only where a clear relationship exists in the source notes.
Corrections and reader reports
Readers may report errors or inaccuracies via the contact page. The editorial team reviews all reports and will correct verified errors in the bibliographic or editorial content. The catalogue does not host the primary texts, so textual errors in the source material must be addressed to Project Gutenberg.
Public-domain limitations
All works in the catalogue are in the public domain in the United States. Readers outside the U.S. should verify the copyright status of any work before use. The catalogue does not guarantee the public-domain status of any work in any jurisdiction and disclaims any legal liability.
Accessibility and readable presentation
The catalogue is designed to be readable on a variety of devices. HTML is kept simple, with semantic tags and limited styling. No images, scripts, or complex layouts are used. The editorial team aims to follow web accessibility best practices within the constraints of the format.
Independence and editorial responsibility
The catalogue is independently edited by William Whitman, Managing Editor. It is not affiliated with any university, library, or commercial publisher. Editorial decisions are made solely by the editor based on the available source material and the catalogue's purpose.
What the catalogue does not claim
The catalogue does not claim peer review, legal certification, or guaranteed completeness. It does not claim that every book has been read in full; editorial notes are based on selected excerpts and source materials. The catalogue does not offer literary criticism or scholarly apparatus beyond what is described in these standards.
Ongoing maintenance
The catalogue is updated periodically as new public-domain works become available or as corrections are needed. The editorial team reviews the collection for consistency and accuracy on a regular basis. There is no fixed publication schedule.